A magnetic separator for spacing a plurality of workpieces in face-to-face relationship includes upper and lower guide plates that define a passage having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for workpieces moving through the separator, with the inlet opening having a funnel-shaped configuration adapted to admit and align any misaligned workpieces moving into the passage. Upper and lower pole pieces adjacent the upper and lower guide plates provide a magnetic field operative to orient workpieces in the passage. The upper guide plate has an intermediate portion that extends between an inlet and outlet end portions of the upper guide plate, with the inlet end portion extending transverse to the intermediate portion of the upper guide plate. The passage has an intermediate portion disposed between the inlet opening and outlet openings, with the inlet opening being substantially larger in cross-sectional area than the intermediate portion of the passage.